Inspired by watching Star Trek as a kid Dr. James Delgado decided that he too wanted to explore new and exciting worlds… just not in space. Acting as the Director of Maritime Heritage in the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries for the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Dr. Delgado oversees heritage programs and active research in the United State’s waters, as well as outreach and education on America’s underwater and marine heritage. In his talk Dr. Delgado outlines why ocean research is important and how not only do our oceans hold the key to our past but also our future, we just need to boldly go where no person has gone before.